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Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks at the Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill:

I congratulate Chairman Serrano and Ranking Member Aderholt for the bill before us, and I thank the staff for their hard work.

Today, we continue an orderly appropriations process to get the people’s business done on time. House Democrats are fighting to give every American a better shot at a better life. With these investments, we can promote economic development, research and mitigate against climate change, address gun violence, and promote criminal justice reform.

The bill before us would provide an increase of $561 million for the National Science Foundation, which funds revolutionary advancements that contribute to our economy and solve tomorrow’s gravest problems.

To combat climate change, the bill would invest in NOAA climate research activities and coastal resiliency to ensure the public and our shorelines are better protected when disaster strikes.

The bill also would support law enforcement and public safety with an increase of $85 million for Violence Against Women Act initiatives and would better protect our communities by providing $125 million for the STOP School Violence Act and by fully funding the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Critical funding for the 2020 Census would enable an accurate count and ensure that everyone gets their fair share of political representation and Federal spending.

Finally, the bill demonstrates a strong commitment to civil rights by increasing the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ along with $75 million to implement the First Step Act to give incarcerated individuals a chance for a better tomorrow.

This bill invests in a future that supports science, improves safety, fulfills our constitutional duties and promotes justice and fairness. I urge support.